Mumbai has enjoyed the status of being the cradle and also the nursery of the indigenous game of Kabaddi from the mid-fifties after the unification of the different forms of the game played in various regions like Bengal, Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu. Normally the pioneer in such ventures, Mumbai has now taken the plunge with the organisation of the MAHA MUMBAI KABADDI LEAGUE 2018 from January 15-21, 2018, which promises to be a very interesting proposition.
Being a maiden venture, it will help explore the feasibility of a permanent league to be played annually at least in the initial phase. It will also afford the opportunity for the six dozen players to assess their merit. The organisers, Abhinav Kala Kreeda Academy and OH Media House have roped in six teams for the tournament which will be run on a round-robin league followed by the title round to be contested by the top two finishers. The league will run for a week with 17 matches to be played. There will be a contest for the 3rd place between the teams placed 3rd and 4th in the round-robin phase.
The aim of organising this tournament is an attempt to present an opportunity for the aspiring youngsters hoping to make it to the Pro-Kabaddi to get noticed by the people who matter. The premier tournament has seen the fortunes of the game rise with each passing season. As it is set to enter its fourth year we may very soon see the first ‘Karodpati’ player during the next auction. The glamour that has come to this sport has served as an attraction for the present breed of players from the rural and urban regions of Maharashtra.
The MAHA MUMBAI KABADDI LEAGUE 2018, though not as lucrative, will yet provide an opportunity for those who have made the grade to earn a minimum of Rupees 5-10 thousand depending on their merit or status. It will set the ball rolling in other states too which would help to lay a wide and equally strong foundation for the game in the country.
In all 72 players, 54 from Mumbai Metropolitan Region and 18 from the rest of Maharashtra will make the final cut. The organisers have shortlisted 100 players following three day trials attended by 1200 odd players from Mumbai City, Mumbai Suburban, Thane and Navi Mumbai who will be in the bidding process for the 54 places. The rest will be listed as reserves and may have an opportunity to join one of the teams if the originally selected need to be replaced owing injuries or due to other reasons. The teams will be able to recruit players from the pool through a bidding process.
The teams are entitled to recruit nine players each from the Mumbai Metropolitan Region and have the option of adding a three or less players from other districts of Maharashtra. The teams will be given a week’s prior to the league for training in an effort to forge their combination.
The organisers have sent invites to the franchises of the Pro-Kabaddi to depute their representatives/ talent scouts.
SALIENT FEATURES OF THE MAHA MUMBAI KABADDI LEAGUE
· Venue: Vishal Sahyadri Kreedangan, Sahyadri Nagar, Charkop, Kandivali (W).
· Opening ceremony, January 15,2018 at 5.00 pm
· Closing and Award Ceremony, January 21, 2018 from 9.00 pm onwards
· Cash prizes totalling Rupees Three lakhs with Trophies, Medals and Merit Certificates
· Individual prizes- Motor-bikes/two-wheelers to the Player of the Tournament, Best Raider and Catcher
· Best player / Man of the match Rupees 5000 each
· Arena to have a seating capacity of 3000
· 2 VIP boxes with a seating capacity of 200
· Pro-Kabaddi Star ROHIT KUMAR and Marathi Fim Star SUNIL BARVE will be the Brand Ambassadors for the event
· 6 Teams, 72 Players, 17 action packed matches
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